A heated debate over migration has once again erupted in the Spanish parliament. This time, the trigger was a joint move by two right-wing parties—Partido Popular and Vox—who joined forces to demand a detailed report from the Tribunal de Cuentas on how much the state spends on people residing in the country without legal status.
During a session of the mixed commission responsible for liaising with this body, representatives from both parties used their numerical advantage. As a result, a majority voted to request that the Tribunal de Cuentas conduct an audit of all expenditures related to illegal migration. Specifically, this concerns expenses at the level of the central government, autonomous communities, and municipalities.
Supporters of the initiative argue that such a review is necessary for transparency and budget oversight. In their view, a significant portion of state funds goes to supporting undocumented individuals, which they claim could limit citizens’ access to social services. However, opponents from left-wing parties condemned this move, calling it discriminatory and an attempt to stir up social discord.
In response to the accusations, representatives of right-wing parties insist that society has the right to know exactly how taxpayers’ money is spent. They claim this is not about xenophobia, but about the need for objective information to make informed decisions on migration policy. Meanwhile, left-wing deputies emphasize that most social benefits and allowances are available only to those legally residing in Spain, meaning the claims of excessive spending on undocumented migrants are unfounded.
In recent months, Vox has actively promoted the issue of the economic impact of illegal migration, making it one of the key points on its agenda. The party is demanding not only an audit of expenditures, but also stricter controls over the arrival of unaccompanied minors. Such initiatives have already been registered in several autonomous communities, and in some regions, such as Valencia, they have even received support from local authorities.
The escalation of debates over migration policy in Spain reflects deep divisions among political forces. For some, this is a matter of economic security; for others, it is about defending the rights and dignity of everyone living in the country. The outcome of this parliamentary battle remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: migration will remain at the center of public attention.
